These last 5 categories are a serious concern, even if they are lower on the ASPCA list. Antifreeze and lead are bigger concerns in the Chicago area than in some other places. Antifreeze poisoning is a concern in winter in colder climates like Chicago (see Part I of this series). A few licks can cause severe health problems. And lead poisoning is a concern in Chicago, particularly for wood-chewing puppies. Lead paint is more common in older homes that have paint dating prior to 1978, and Chicago has a large proportion of older homes.

Also be aware of zinc poisoning, particularly for puppies. "Pets can be exposed to zinc from chewing on metal bars in caging made from galvanized metal or from ingesting pennies that were minted after 1982," said Dr. Dr. Robyn Barbiers, President of The Anti-Cruelty Society, located in Chicago. She cautioned that puppies who chew indiscriminately need special attention to protect them from many hazards in the home environment.

Here is the second half of the ASPCA list (for the first half, see Part I of this article series):

Rat and Mouse Poisons Many baits that attract rodents also attract pets. The chemical recipe is designed to be tasty. Also, outdoor cats who eat poisoned mice can be poisoned themselves. Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Depending on the type of poison, ingestion can lead to life-threatening problems including bleeding, seizures, or kidney damage. Place baits well out of reach of your exploring pets.

Household Cleaning Products Everyone knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take serious precautions to protect them. Common products to secure include bleaches, detergents, and disinfectants. Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household cleaners. Cleaning products can cause serious stomach and gastrointestinal problems, as well as lung problems.

Heavy Metals Lead, zinc, and mercury are next on the list. Metal poisoning accounted for 3,304 calls to ASPCA in 2009. Lead is the leading problem of all the metals. Pets can be exposed to lead from paint chips (especially older paint), linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.

What can you do? Think of pet-proofing your home as you would child-proof your home. Place rodent baits well out of reach. Secure all cleaning products and chemical hazards. Keep pets off treated lawns and gardens. And check for lead and heavy metal hazards, which are toxic to animals and humans alike. Creating a healthy home enivironment for your pets will help you and your family as well.

If you are worried about possible poisoning, call your veterinarian. Be sure to post the phone number of your veterinarian and your local emergency animal hospital for easy access in case of emergency. You may call the ASPCA national poison control hotline (888-426-4435), but they are likely to tell pet owners to call their vet and may charge a $65 fee.

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Marisa Naujokas, Ph.D. is a scientist who is passionate about helping people to understand how science impacts our daily lives. Marisa has over 10 years of research experience in immunology, and has worked closely with the U.S. EPA on environmental health projects since 2001. She has written about topics in immunology, environmental health, children's health, and autism, viewable at www.healingthresholds.com. She currently works for Environmental Health Consulting. Marisa has lived in the Chicago area nearly all of her life, and enjoys living close to Lake Michigan with her husband and two children. Send topic suggestions and feedback to Marisa at MarisaNaujokas@gmail.com.